The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reveals alarming statistics regarding defaults in the RDOF broadband program. Over a third of bids from the $9.2 billion program were rejected, with additional defaults totaling $112.8 million affecting nearly 1.9 million locations expected to receive service. This analysis was initiated to provide insights that could prevent similar issues in future rural broadband initiatives like the $42.5 billion BEAD program. The report emphasizes the need for improved oversight and accountability within broadband funding processes to meet accessibility goals.
Many stakeholders were shocked when it came to light two years or so ago that over a third of $9.2 billion in winning bids in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) broadband program were rejected after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reviewed winning bidders' long-form applications.
According to the Benton Institute analysis, the defaults represent nearly 1.9 million locations that had been expected to receive broadband service, and further defaults could be on the way.
The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society calls itself 'a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, high-performance broadband regardless of where they live or who they are.'
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